Growing your own food provides you with fresher foods that are bursting with flavour and it is an easy, fun way to reach your 5 a day! It also means that you are playing your part towards reducing food waste, saving the planet and helping you to be “greener”.
Read on to find out how to get started!
Decide where you’re going to start your growing. Anywhere will do, as long as it is not in too much shade, your plants will need light to grow. You can also use pots on well-lit windowsills or on balconies.
Once you’ve chosen the spot, it’s time to get the soil ready. If you’re using pots or containers, they need to have holes in the bottom for drainage. Start to fill them just over halfway with soil, breaking up any lumps you might find. If you’re using soil from outside, break up the soil with a fork.
Now you’re ready to start planting. Choose a selection of fruit and vegetables that you enjoy eating. Follow the instructions on the pack to start planting.
You can boost your growth by feeding your plants a fruit and vegetable plant food. This is available in garden centres, supermarkets and online shops. In no time at all, you’ll be harvesting your own tasty home-grown fruit and vegetables!
Herbs grow best with full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds every fortnight throughout spring and summer
Sow seeds for basil, chives and parsley under glass with or without heat from January to early April.
Pot outdoor herbs like chives, mint, parsley, or tarragon and bring them in for the winter, standing them on a windowsill with plenty of light.
Expect triumph but also the odd disappointment. Sometimes you’ll end up with more food than you expected, but there might be times you don’t (eg with bad weather). The joy from tucking into your own food outweighs any disappointment.